Sri Lanka Stands Against Terrorism, Continues Cricket Series in Pakistan After Islamabad Bombing

In a significant development for cricket in Pakistan, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that its ongoing tour of Pakistan will continue as scheduled, dismissing calls for cancellation following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad that left 12 people dead and 27 injured. The decision has been praised by Pakistani officials as a demonstration of confidence in the country’s security measures and solidarity with Pakistan.

The manager of the Sri Lankan cricket team confirmed to media outlets that no players would be returning home. SLC clarified that if any player insisted on leaving despite reassurances, they would be replaced to ensure the series continues uninterrupted, and a formal assessment of the player’s actions would be conducted by the board.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan team management had informed their board that some members had requested to leave Pakistan due to security concerns. The board engaged with the players immediately, assuring them that all safety measures were being strictly enforced in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities. Following these developments, the PCB increased security around the visiting team to further address concerns.

To reinforce the safety measures, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is scheduled to meet the Sri Lankan team to brief them personally. Pakistani officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, publicly expressed gratitude to the team for their commitment, with Tarar stating, “We are honoured by your presence,” and Asif highlighting the team’s contribution to promoting cricket amidst challenges. PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars also praised the team, stating that the Sri Lankan squad had “defeated terrorism” through their visit.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner also expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements following a briefing with Naqvi in Islamabad, where senior officials, including the chief commissioner and inspector general of Islamabad, detailed the protective measures in place for the team.

The Sri Lankan players’ concerns are understandable given the 2009 terrorist attack on their team bus in Lahore, which directly targeted cricketers and led to an almost ten-year suspension of international cricket tours in Pakistan. Tours resumed in late 2019 when Sri Lanka returned for a two-Test series. The current decision to continue the tour underscores both the enhanced security environment in Pakistan and the team’s commitment to supporting the revival of international cricket in the country.